Your Style Essence: Discover & Dazzle

Did you know that each of us has a unique style essence that reflects who we truly are? Your style essence is more than just the clothes you wear - it’s a combination of your personality, vibe, and the way you naturally carry yourself. Embracing and dressing according to your style essence can ensure that your outfits not only look good, but that they also feel right!

In this blog, we will be showing you how to identify your style essence - which is the first step in creating your unique signature look. This is the first of our exciting 8-part series on creating your signature look (Yeah, 8 sounds like a lot, but hey, you’re worth the binge!)

The Kitchener’s seven style essences is a fantastic tool which you can draw inspiration from in discovering your sense of style. The seven style essences exist on a Yin-Yang spectrum and while you may identify strongly with one essence, in reality most of us are a unique blend of several essences rather than fitting neatly into just one. Your style essence can also evolve over time, as you adapt to changes in lifestyle, taste and confidence.

Picture credits: The Concept Wardrobe

Want to find out your style essence? Click the link below to take our easy quiz! Once you’ve discovered your style essence, you can explore the table below to see what fabrics, silhouettes, colours and accessories will bring out the best in you. (In addition to the Kitchener scale, the quiz is also inspired by the Kibbe body type system).

Take the quiz here!

Unlock your Style Essence

Now that you’ve nailed your style essence, let’s dive into what it means for your wardrobe - and your next shopping spree!

Essence	Silhouettes	Colour palette	Accessories	Recommended pieces
Dramatic Bold and powerful	* Tailored looks * Form-fitting * High fashion drama such as dramatic sleeves and high necklines	Bold colours such as black, white, red and deep colours	Large and eye-catching including oversized sunglasses and angular jewellery	* Structured blazers* Body-hugging dresses * Jump suits * Slim pants * Geometric patterns
Gamine Playful and youthful	* Clean, structured lines * Tailored silhouettes * High necklines	Mix of bold, vibrant colours such as electric blue and bright yellow and classic neutrals	Geometric and brightly coloured earrings, compact bags and statement sunglasses	* Slim fit trousers and cropped jeans * Shift dresses and short-hemlines * Mini skirts * Bold, energetic prints
Natural Relaxed and easygoing	* Casual fits * Relaxed and flowing lines * Fabric that moves freely	Neutral and earthy tones in blue, brown and green	Simple, understated jewellery such as amber stud earrings and cross-body bags	* Relaxed jeans * Maxi skirts * Basic t-shirts * Loose linen shirts *A-line and wrap dresses
Classic Timeliness and refined	* Tailored pieces * Perfect proportions without being too tight or loose * Minimal detailing * Simple necklines	Neutral and solid colors like black, white, brown, gray, beige, or cream	Elegant and refined such as pearl earrings, simple gold jewellery	* Pencil skirts * Structured coats * Straight-led trousers * Sheath and shift dresses * Polka dots and stripes
Romantic Feminine and sensual	* Hourglass silhouettes * Soft fabrics * Sweetheart, off-shoulder necklines * Lace and ruffle details	Deep jewel tones, opulent neutrals, and soft pastels	Delicate and ornate with intricate designs	* Fitted blouses * Wrap and maxi dresses * Flowing skirts * Floral patterns
Ingenue Sweet and charming	* Soft, feminine lines that accentuate natural curves * Graceful with subtle details	Soft, gentle colours like blush pink, lavender and baby blue	Delicate jewellery like pearl necklaces and heart-shaped pendants	* A-line, pleated and tiered skirts * Delicate florals and polka dot prints * Sweetheart necklines
Angelic Delicate and graceful	* Light materials with floating effect * Elongated lines * Soft and fluid shapes	Soft, dreamlike colours such as misty pastels, soft whites, and iridescent hues	Delicate, minimalistic jewelry, like fine chains and understated gemstone pieces	* Wide leg trousers * Wrap skirts * Tiered dresses * Maxi dresses * Off-shoulder tops

 

As part of this series, we’ll unpack each style essence in more detail! You won’t want to miss it so stay tuned!

Draw inspiration from Celebs who embrace their style essence

Get inspired by these celebrities who embody their unique style essence, effortlessly blending high fashion with streetwear to redefine trends and confidently showcase their individuality.

Dramatic Essence

Celebrities: Victoria Beckham, Angelina Jolie, Charlize Theron

Gamine Essence

Celebrities: Emma Watson, Mia Farrow, Kristen Stewart

Natural Essence

Celebrities: Julia Robert, Blake Lively, Keira Knightley

Classic Essence

Celebrities: Kate Middleton, Grace Kelly, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jackie Kennedy

Romantic Essence

Celebrities: Scarlett Johansson, Dakota Johnson, Salma Hayek

Ingenue Essence

Celebrities: Elle Fanning, Ariana Grande, Amanda Seyfried

Angelic Essence

Celebrities: Cate Blanchett, Tilda Swinton, Alicia Vikander

In the upcoming weeks, we’ll be sharing a step-by-step guide on how to create your signature looks based on your essences - this will include dressing to suit your body type and skin tones along with in-depth explorations of each of the seven style essences. These insights can truly help you transform your style, so stay tuned!

Picture credits: Courtesy of Pinterest